Obama said WHAT?!

As the 2024 election approaches, Obama’s call to action sparks debate among Black men over their support for Kamala Harris and the deeper issues at play.

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The best thing you will see this week is Saturday Night Live turning Harris versus Trump into fierce Family Feud rivals. They transformed the chaotic debates into a Family Feud-style game show, with Kenan Thompson hilariously stepping into the shoes of Steve Harvey as the host. Watch here.

In today’s email:

  • Obama’s callout to Black men touches a nerve among Democrats.

  • Cyber Attack Turns Robot Vacuums into Racist Machines: Pets Chased, Slurs Yelled

  • Don’t Miss the Poll at the End: We need your opinion!

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MAIN STORY

Obama Challenges Black Men on Kamala Support: Is It Fair?

Obama has re-emerged in the 2024 election scene, actively campaigning for Kamala Harris against Trump, and this time, he's not holding back on his critique of black men. Paul Butler has dubbed him the "scolder-in-chief" when it comes to addressing this demographic. During a visit to a Harris campaign field office in Pittsburgh last week, Obama, speaking to a predominantly Black audience, expressed his desire to "speak some truth." He pointed out that the enthusiasm for Harris isn't matching what he experienced during his own groundbreaking campaign. He specifically noted that the reluctance "seems to be more pronounced with the brothers," who, according to Obama, are "coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses." He speculated on this hesitation, suggesting, "You just aren't feeling the idea of having a woman as president."

Are the Former President's Comments Truly Fair?

Obama’s struck a nerve within the Black male community, as many felt he was comfortable shaming Black men into voting for the Democratic ticket without considering how much Harris’s campaign messaging and agenda overlooked them. Many Black men are increasingly vocal about wanting more tangible benefits from the Democratic presidential ticket, feeling that symbolic gestures and general promises are no longer enough. It was as if the campaign simply assumed Black men would vote for her without addressing their concerns. Rather than appealing to black men’s needs and sense of self-determination, Obama seemed to take a backhanded approach by publicly accusing Black men of misogyny. It’s hard to believe he thought that would be an effective strategy.

Let’s Look at the numbers:

  • Obama's Support Among Black Men: In 2008, 95% of Black voters supported Obama, with Black men contributing 85% of that vote. By 2012, he still retained about 93% of the Black vote overall. [Read More]

  • Black Male Support for Democrats: In the 2020 election, 80% of Black men supported Joe Biden, compared to 19% who voted for Donald Trump. [Read More]

  • While 61% of Black men identify as Democrats, 23% identify as Independents, and 16% as Republicans [Read More]

  • Black Men's Views on the Economy: Roughly 60% of Black men believe that Harris would do a better job handling the economy, compared to 20% who think Trump would be better​. [Read More]

Obama: 'You are thinking about sitting out?'

Obama said the choice in the election is "clear": Harris "grew up like you, knows you, went to college with you, understands the struggles and pain and joy that comes from those experiences". His challenge has stirred up a variety of responses, highlighting the ongoing tension between the traditional loyalty of Black men to the Democratic Party and a rising feeling of political disillusionment. With the 2024 elections on the horizon, the party will need to connect more meaningfully with this group to maintain their support. It's uncertain whether Obama's message will resonate or push people away, but the conversation it has started is crucial for shaping future political alliances.

CAST YOUR VOTE

Do you believe that misogyny plays a role in Black men’s reluctance to support Kamala Harris?

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THE FLIP SIDE

Hacked Robot Vacuums Unleash Havoc: Yelling Racial Slurs and Chasing Pets

A recent ABC report highlighted a concerning issue with Ecovacs Deebot X2 robot vacuums. Hackers have managed to take control of these devices, using their live camera feeds and remote control features to create havoc for unsuspecting owners. One person, even after changing his password, still faced issues and suspected a teenager might be behind the mischief. His biggest worry was the possibility of the vacuum being used for spying on his family. Another owner shared a bizarre experience where their vacuum started chasing their dog while shouting offensive language. ABC had earlier pointed out a security flaw in the Deebot X2, demonstrating that it could be hacked without alerting owners that the camera was active. It's still unclear how many devices have been affected by this issue.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Notebook P

Notebook P is a singer/songwriter from Randolph, MA, whose music is deeply influenced by themes of love, life, and loss, with a foundation in R&B and occasional nods to anime. His discography features the EP “I Made This, For You,” produced by Humbeats, and “A Fool’s Paradise.” In 2021, he was honored as the "R&B Artist of the Year" at the Boston Music Awards. P aims to leave his mark on the evolving music scene with a distinctive yet relatable songwriting style.

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